
As Thanksgiving approaches, many of us want to share the holiday feast with our furry friends. However, not all human food is safe for dogs to eat.
Cooked turkey is a staple of the Thanksgiving meal, and it's okay to give your dog a small amount as a treat. In fact, a 3-ounce serving of cooked turkey is a lean protein source that can be a nice addition to your dog's meal.
But what about the trimmings? Gravy, stuffing, and mashed potatoes are all off-limits to dogs due to their high fat and salt content. A single serving of gravy can contain up to 100 calories and 10 grams of fat, which is not healthy for dogs.
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Safe Foods for Dogs
Every Thanksgiving Day table is a little bit different, but there are some foods that make an appearance on just about every table, and many of those tables might have a hopeful dog snoozing underneath, waiting for a stray bite of people food.
Turkey meat is a safe option for dogs, but it's essential to remove any bones or skin, as they can cause digestive issues.
Many people prepare their turkey with butter or oil, which can be particularly problematic for dogs.
If you're worried about preparing a separate, dog-safe portion of turkey, you can look for Thanksgiving-themed canned dog food that's already been done for you.
Dogs can safely eat a variety of Thanksgiving foods, including turkey meat, but it's crucial to do it safely and without any seasoning.
For more insights, see: Dogs Eating Thanksgiving Dinner
Foods Bad for Cats and Dogs
As Thanksgiving approaches, it's essential to know what foods are off-limits for your furry friends. Some human treats can be toxic to cats and dogs, so let's go over the no-go list.
Turkey bones, skin, and gravy should be avoided at all costs, as they can cause digestive issues and even lead to emergency vet visits. Casseroles and mashed potatoes are also no-nos, as they can be rich and overwhelming for pets.
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Stuffing, creamed peas, and ham are also on the list of foods to avoid. These foods can be high in fat, salt, and spices, which can be hazardous to your pet's health.
Chocolate, cookies, pies, and sweets are a big no, especially those with xylitol, which can be fatal for dogs. Alcoholic beverages and raisins and grapes are also toxic to cats and dogs.
Onions, scallions, and garlic can cause anemia in cats and dogs, while yeast dough can expand in their stomachs, leading to serious health issues. Fatty foods and foods containing spices can also be problematic.
Here's a quick rundown of the foods to avoid:
- Turkey bones, skin, and gravy
- Stuffing
- Casseroles
- Mashed potatoes
- Creamed peas
- Chocolate, cookies, pies, and sweets
- Alcoholic beverages
- Raisins and grapes
- Onions, scallions, and garlic
- Ham
- Yeast dough
- Fatty foods
- Foods containing spices
Be Prepared
Every Thanksgiving table is a little bit different, but there are some foods that make an appearance on just about every table.
Knowing what foods are safe and what ones are not is crucial for a happy and healthy Thanksgiving celebration with your dog.
Be prepared and have this list of safe foods handy, so you can enjoy a wonderful Thanksgiving meal together with your beloved dog.
Don't let your dog's hopeful gaze fool you, some foods on the table are toxic to them, so it's essential to be prepared.
By being prepared, you can share this list of safe foods with family and friends during the holidays, ensuring everyone's Thanksgiving celebration is enjoyable for both humans and dogs.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to make your dog a Thanksgiving dinner?
To make a safe and healthy Thanksgiving dinner for your dog, consider serving sweet potatoes, green beans, apple slices, and pumpkin, which are all dog-friendly options. However, consult with your veterinarian before making any changes to your dog's diet.
Can dogs eat stuffing at Thanksgiving?
No, dogs should not eat stuffing at Thanksgiving due to potential toxicity from onions and garlic, as well as other rich ingredients that can cause pancreatitis and digestive issues
Is leftover Thanksgiving turkey good for dogs?
Plain, unseasoned leftover turkey can be a healthy addition to your dog's diet, but consult with your veterinarian first. They can help you determine the best way to incorporate it into your dog's homemade food
Sources
- https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/nutrition/thanksgiving-foods-to-share-with-your-dog-or-avoid/
- https://www.smalldoorvet.com/learning-center/nutrition/thanksgiving-food-for-your-pet/
- https://hartforanimals.org/pet-health-blog/2a6egbxl82yddlm-3hzfr-k4lcl-3mzd7
- https://toegrips.com/thanksgiving-foods-dangerous-to-dogs/
- https://www.ethosvet.com/blog-post/7-thanksgiving-foods-that-can-be-dangerous-for-your-pets/
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